Over the last few years, the wide receiver position has dominated the NFL draft in terms of volume, especially in the top 50 with 10 receivers drafted in 2024 in the top 50, six in 2023, and 10 again in 2022. The trend has been that quality receivers are increasing in numbers, but could this year be different?
As we wrapped the midseason Draft Network Top 100 and tallied the numbers, there was a clear difference in this year's wide receiver group. There were only four receivers in the top 50 with a big gap between WR4 (No. 29) and WR5 (No. 68). There aren't receivers separating themselves and producing at a high level to warrant putting them inside the top 50 right now.
But if trends from previous drafts remain the same, especially with the NFL prioritizing receivers, there will be more than four receivers drafted in the top 50 in April. Check out which five receivers have an opportunity to elevate themselves and bridge the gap.
Tez Johnson, Oregon
Tez Johnson's draft stock has been trending upward all season and he continues to produce for the No. 1 team in the country. The hesitation for Johnson at the current moment is his size, listed at 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds.
For most teams, that will limit how he can contribute. But in an era where slot receivers are important and route-running is emphasized more than ever, Johnson has an opportunity to elevate his draft stock and convince teams that his A traits could be a difference-maker for an offense.
Tre Harris, Ole Miss
Tre Harris is on track to finish as the Ole Miss Rebels’ leading receiver in just about every statistical category in back-to-back seasons. This year, Harris' numbers are so impressive that he is currently second in the nation in receiving yards.
Harris is a big-body receiver who understands how to use his frame to box out defenders. He is also a guy who thrives at playing above the rim and winning in difficult contested catch situations. Harris has the frame to be a true X receiver in the NFL and with the production he already has, he is good athletic testing numbers away from catapulting himself into top-50 conversations.
Tai Felton, Maryland
Tai Felton has caught everyone off guard this year. From the second week of the season to now, he has led the nation in receiving yards. Felton's game appears to be centered around his explosive playmaking ability. Felton is a strider who can hit his top speed quickly and take the top of the defense.
If Felton can finish the season strong and then showcase the on-field speed and convert it into a good 40 time, he is another prospect who can elevate his draft stock instantly. We know the NFL is always willing to buy into speed.
Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
Iowa State is currently undefeated and ranked as the No. 11 team in the country. This means that if the name Jaylin Noel isn't familiar to you, you may have an opportunity to watch him soon as Iowa State should be in a few prime-time games down the stretch.
Noel is an alignment-versatile receiver who wins at all levels of the defense. Noel is a natural route-runner and hands-catcher who has a knack for making difficult plays look routine. His game is very similar to Roman Wilson, who was the No. 84 pick in a very talented receiver class this past draft. In this class, I believe Noel can get drafted even higher since the top of the class is thin and the middle of the class is yet to be figured out.
Xavier Restrepo, Miami
Xavier Restrepo, the Miami Hurricanes’ all-time leader in receptions, is playing good football this year serving as the go-to receiver for his quarterback and Heisman front-runner Cam Ward. Restrepo is another receiver who aligns in multiple positions but appears to thrive as a slot receiver.
Restrepo is a high-IQ player who is always on the same page with the quarterback and is an easy and reliable target for quarterbacks. Restrepo’s path to elevating his draft stock is being consistent down the stretch and showing that he has high-level playmaking ability by simply always being in the right place at the right time.
